Juno Suspended in the Air - Giulio Bonasone

A classical Renaissance engraving by Giulio Bonasone depicting the mythological punishment of Juno, framed by architectural elements and putti.

This engraving by Giulio Bonasone depicts the mythological figure of Juno, suspended in the heavens by her wrists. The scene draws from classical narratives where Jupiter punishes his wife by hanging her from the clouds with anvils attached to her feet. Bonasone, an Italian engraver and painter active in Bologna, demonstrates his technical proficiency through the use of cross-hatching to model the human form and create atmospheric depth in the background.

The composition is framed by an architectural border featuring caryatids on either side and a mask at the top, which provides a structured, classical setting for the central figure. Below the suspended goddess, two putti are positioned amidst garlands, adding a decorative element to the lower register of the print. The inclusion of Italian text at the base serves to explain the moral of the scene, warning of the consequences of divine wrath.

Bonasone was known for his ability to translate the works of other masters into print, yet this piece reflects his own invention, as noted by the inscription 'Iul. Bonasone inuentor'. The engraving captures the Mannerist interest in the human body, with the elongated proportions and the dramatic pose of Juno reflecting the stylistic tendencies of the mid-sixteenth century. The print is a fine example of the period's fascination with classical mythology and the use of printmaking to disseminate complex allegorical narratives to a wider audience. The balance between the central figure and the surrounding ornamental frame demonstrates the artist's control over the copper plate, ensuring that the narrative clarity remains despite the density of the surrounding decorative motifs.